Senior Environmental Engineer: Fluids Management Specialist Lead

Job Description

The Role:

The Fluids Management Specialist is the single-point authority for General Motors’ Global Propulsion System (GPS) Metal Removal Fluids (MRF) strategy and approvals. This role protects employee health, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports manufacturing performance across global propulsion operations.

The position leads the Metal Removal Fluid Strategy Team (MRFST) and provides strategic direction, technical governance, and standardized coolant management practices for metalworking fluids and related chemistries. The specialist authorizes new or changed MRF uses and aligns plants, Chemical Managers, suppliers, and corporate stakeholders.

What You'll Do:

Strategy, Governance, and Compliance

• Lead the MRFST and ensure corporate, Manufacturing Engineering, and GPS MRF requirements are met

• Develop, maintain, and enforce MRF policies and management guidelines for GPS plants

• Ensure plant compliance with approved best practices, biostability requirements, and chemical management standards

• Serve as the central authority on MRF, biostability, and coolant management requirements

• Drive standardized, biostable coolant strategies across GPS operations

MRF Authorization and PMRv Oversight

• Approve or reject all new and expanded-use MRFs before PMRv and Plant CCC submission

• Ensure all MRFs on the PMRv list receive formal MRFST approval before plant use

• Provide technical oversight to Chemical Managers supporting the PMRv process

• Maintain the official list of MRFST- and LS2-approved fluids

Product Review and Biostability

• Lead the two-phase MRF review process:

  • Phase I: MRFST authorization, including chemical feasibility, application review, SDS evaluation, and LS2 approval as needed

  • Phase II: PMRv coordination, including biostability, health, and environmental review

• Enforce the requirement that all new coolant charges and coolant changes are biostable

• Oversee biostability testing, including laboratory and in-plant validation, and communicate final determinations

Technical Leadership

• Serve as GM’s subject matter expert for metalworking fluids, wash solutions, and related chemical management practices

• Evaluate MRF performance, tooling impact, biological risk, and health and safety considerations

• Lead or support investigation and resolution of plant MRF issues such as foam, rust, microbial growth, tooling impact, and health concerns

• Drive evaluation, piloting, and implementation of new MRF technologies and coolant solutions

LS2 Standards Leadership

• Chair the LS2 Lubricants Standards Committee for GM North America

• Review, approve, or reject LS2 lubricant submissions in the LS2 portal

• Maintain LS2 standards data in SupplyPower

• Work with suppliers to obtain ingredient disclosure, base oil certifications, and lab test data

Plant and Cross-Functional Engagement

• Serve as the GPS contact for new and revised MRF requests

• Lead monthly MRFST meetings with Chemical Managers and cross-functional stakeholders

• Conduct plant visits to assess MRF practices, support site needs, and guide long-term coolant strategies

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Toxicology, PMRv, suppliers, and plant teams to align strategy and execution

• Communicate MRF strategy, risks, decisions, and guidance clearly to plants and leadership

Key Deliverables

• Updated annual MRF Management Guidelines

• Current MRFST authorization records

• Documented biostability determinations and approvals

• Maintained LS2 approvals and records in SupplyPower and related systems

• Documented monthly MRFST and Chemical Manager reviews with action tracking

• Updated MRFST documentation for Chemical Management SORs and governance documents

Your Skills & Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials/Metallurgical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field

• Typically 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, chemical management, metalworking fluids, or related process engineering

• Experience with industrial coolant/MRF systems or lubrication systems

• Experience with health, safety, and environmental considerations for chemicals in manufacturing